After the election we must ensure our determination to oppose austerity and fight privatisation is never diminished. Building our strength through solidarity events with friends and family is important, as well as enjoyable. All RMT members are therefore urged to attend and join these important social and commemorative events this summer. The 13th Annual RMT Cuba Garden Party, the Durham Miners' Gala, the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival and the Burston Strike School Rally are all great opportunities to celebrate RMT and other unions' history and recommit to fighting for all our futures:

RMT Cuba Garden Party on Wednesday 17th June – Celebrate the release of Miami Five and the achievements of the Cuban Revolution with music from the Alabama 3, Cuban band, special guest speakers, food and drink included. Tickets £15 now from Unity House or, if paying by card, please call 0800 376 3706. Starts19.00 pm at Maritime House, Clapham, London. Further information shortly on http://www.rmt.org.uk/home/

Durham Miners' Gala - from 8:30am on Saturday 11th JulyMarching from the Market Place to the Racecourse With the Big Meeting taking place at the Racecourse from 12:15 - including addresses from a number of important speakers. Further information is at http://www.durhamminers.org/Gala.html

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival - in Dorset over the weekend of Friday 17th to Sunday 19th July. Includes commemorative events, music (including marching bands), kids' activities and speakers - with the main march and rally taking place on the Sunday. Nearest train stations are Dorchester and Dorchester South (both to the West of Bournemouth) Further information is at http://www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/

Burston Strike School Rally - in Norfolk on Sunday 6th September Help celebrate the longest running strike in history - there will be music (including a marching band) and speakers. Nearest train station is Diss (to the South of Norwich) Further information is at https://burstonstrikeschool.wordpress.com/the-rally/